Screwtape Analysis Final

Jerica Yamada

Mrs. Baniaga

Honors British Literature

3 September 2010

The Screwtape Letters Literary Analysis

In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis demonstrates that the theme of persuasion produces a broken relationship between God and man. A wicked demon named Screwtape trains his nephew, Wormwood, into guiding other patient’s thoughts onto the path of corruption. Screwtape’s letters contain great thought, and C.S Lewis brings out the wicked, deceptive thought of persuasion through Screwtape’s mind tricks that transform a relationship with God and the patient.

In order to persuade his patient’s way of thinking, Screwtape utilizes his scheming tool of mind tricks upon him. In Chapter Four, he instructs Wormwood to teach his patient how to pray, but in an unmannerly, emotionless way. “The best thing, where it is possible, is to keep the patient from the serious intention of praying altogether” (Lewis 15). Screwtape induces his patient into believing that simple, meaningless prayers are the correct way to talk with God; however, it leads to a lack of connection and concentration with God. Screwtape makes another interesting quote, “Whatever their bodies do affects their souls” (Lewis 16); distractions, at this point, are Screwtape’s best tactic. During the time of prayer, he convinces the patient to stray away from the true focus; most times when praying in a quiet place with head bowed and eyes closed, the patient is more open to connect with God. In spite of that, Screwtape wants his patient to avoid this act at all cost. He also instructs Wormwood that, “the simplest is to turn their gaze away from Him towards themselves” (Lewis 16), which generates the characteristic of selfishness instead of using prayers initially to build a relationship with God. He also satisfies his patient into believing that it’s their time, and to look upon him rather than concentrate on God.

All demons are liars; Screwtape, uses his mind tricks as the basis to his system of persuasion. In Chapter Twelve, Screwtape, lures his patient into believing that “small” sins are just nudges and should not be burdened with guilt. However, this is the starting point on how Satan tempts people with this cycle; if he can get a hold of little actions, there is nothing stopping him from tempting Christians with “bigger” sins. However, in the eyes of God, all sins are equal. It says in James 2:10, “for the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws.” A lot of Christians today don’t realize this; their conscience rates the act of sin they perform convincing them to believe that their sin is not as destructive than some others. Screwtape additionally states that, “You will say that these are very small sins; and doubtless, like all young tempters, you are anxious to be able to report spectacular wickedness. But do remember, the only thing that matters is the extent to which you separate the man from the Enemy” (Lewis 60). Screwtape portrays a point that Satan is always out to get Christians and destroy their relationship with God, but it is the Christian’s job to remain faithful to Him. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 it says, “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” In the great times of life, God will tempt all individuals; he will test their true faith in Him with limitations. Some will fall and deceive Him while others still rejoice in His name. God will also provide a way out of temptation, but it is our job to preserve through the pain or struggle.

Therefore, throughout The Screwtape Letters, Wormwood is taught to persuade his patient with evil, corrupt mind tricks through the teachings of Screwtape. Screwtape’s main target is to destroy the patient’s relationship with his Creator. C.S Lewis portrays this idea that Satan corrupts the minds of both Christians and non-believers through the act of persuasion. However, in I John 1:9, it reminds Christians that, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”


Work Cited
Lewis, C. S. The Screwtape Letters. Mattituck, NY: American Reprint, 1996. Print.

NLT Holy Bible. N.p.: Tyndale House Foundation, 2007. Print.